The Nigerian Presidency has issued a stern rebuke to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, labeling him the “grandfather of hypocrisy” for criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a strongly worded statement, the Presidency accused Obasanjo of gross double standards, pointing to his own controversial actions during his tenure as President.
The Presidency’s reaction follows Obasanjo’s recent remarks condemning President Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule in Rivers State due to escalating security concerns and electoral violence. Obasanjo, a former military ruler and twice-elected civilian president, had publicly denounced the move, calling it a dangerous precedent for the nation’s democracy.
In response, a spokesperson for the Presidency stated: “It is truly astounding that Obasanjo, who has a history of undermining democratic principles during his time in office, would criticize President Tinubu’s legitimate action to restore order in Rivers State. His outbursts only reflect a stunning level of hypocrisy.”
The statement continued, highlighting instances of what it described as Obasanjo’s own authoritarian tactics during his presidency, including the suspension of democratic processes in some states and the use of emergency powers to quell political unrest in various regions. The Presidency questioned how Obasanjo, who had once overseen similar actions, could now position himself as a critic of President Tinubu's legitimate efforts to secure peace and stability in Rivers State.
“Obasanjo is the grandfather of hypocrisy,” the statement continued. “During his time in office, he took similar measures, including declaring states of emergency in troubled regions, only to now feign outrage when the current administration takes a measured approach to security concerns in Rivers. His criticisms are not based on principle but on an agenda to undermine the legitimacy of the current government.”
The Nigerian Presidency also emphasized that President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers was not a hasty decision but a necessary response to the grave threat posed by violent factions in the region. The Presidency reiterated that such measures are consistent with the constitutional duties of the President to safeguard lives and property and to maintain law and order.